Cook Lake Campground
Open for the 2026 season. The Cook Lake Trail and Loop A are currently closed due to a recent landslide. Water systems are typically unavailable from October 1 through May 15. Reservations available via Recreation.gov for peak season; shoulder season is first-come, first-served. Annual closure begins December 15.
Red Flag Warning issued October 8 at 11:03AM MDT until October 9 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM MDT FRIDAY DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR CENTRAL BLACK HILLS, SOUTHERN BLACK HILLS, FALL RIVER COUNTY AREA, NORTHERN FOOT HILLS, EASTERN FOOT HILLS, CUSTER COUNTY PLAINS, PINE RIDGE AREA, BUTTE COUNTY AREA, WEST CENTRAL PLAINS, BADLANDS AREA, NORTHERN CAMPBELL, SOUTHERN CAMPBELL, CROOK COUNTY PLAINS, WESTON COUNTY PLAINS, AND WYOMING BLACK HILLS... The National Weather Service in Rapid City SD has issued a Red Flag Warning in effect from 11 AM to 8 PM MDT Friday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 329, and 332. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 8 PM MDT Friday. * WINDS...Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
About
Situated in a heavily forested area adjacent to Cook Lake, this campground offers a peaceful setting for recreation and relaxation in the Black Hills National Forest. Some sites are widely spaced with views overlooking the lake, while others sit along a hillside. Tall mature trees and grass underbrush give the campground a groomed character. The recreation area features 15 standard nonelectric campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire grill. Four vault restrooms serve the campground, and potable water is available from a hand pump near the entrance. Adjacent Cook Lake provides opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating, with a walk-in lake access point. Approximately 4 miles of trails are available for hiking and mountain biking. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov 180 days in advance for the peak season from mid-May through early September. Shoulder season operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground closes annually on December 15. Sites accommodate RVs and trailers up to 48 feet.
Directions
From Sundance, WY, take US 14 west (or exit 185 off Interstate 90 to US 14 west) for 1.4 miles to the Cook Lake Recreation Area sign at Forest Route 838. Turn right onto FR 838 and go 12.9 miles to FR 843. Turn right and go 5.4 miles to another Cook Lake Recreation Area sign on FR 842. Turn left and go 1.1 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $28 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 48ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 48ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (307) 283-1361 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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